Smith and Wesson has introduced a new AR-15 platform rifle: the M&P15R chambered in 5.45×39. S&W developed this new AR variant due to the rising costs of .223/5.56 ammunition.
The M&P15R features a chrome lined 16″ barrel with a 1:8″ twist, M4 style post front sight, and a six-position collapsible stock. The rifle comes with one 30-round magazine.
A mil-spec upper is also available for people who already own an AR, but would like to shoot 5.45×39. The upper comes with a 30-round magazine and a bolt carrier assembly, and should drop right onto any mil-spec AR lower.
Developed for the AK-74, the 5.45×39 round was designed as a replacement for the 7.62×39 round used in the SKS and 
AK-47 rifles. The 5.45×39 is not the same as the 5.56×45 NATO (or .223 Remington) cartridge which is the standard cartridge AR-15 platform rifles are chambered for.
The M&P15R has a suggested retail price of $1146.00 and the upper alone has a MSRP of $751.00.
From the Smith and Wesson website:
With the ever increasing cost of 5.56mm and .223 ammo, Smith & Wesson is pleased to announce the M&P15R Rifle (along with the new Upper Receiver Assembly). This new rifle is chambered for the less expensive and abundant 5.45 x 39mm cartridge. The rifles come with a flat-top receiver and the M4-style post front sight ready to accept the optics of your choice or a back-up iron sight. Also included is one 30 round magazine built specifically to accommodate the 5.45 x 39mm round.
Other articles that will amaze you:
- Smith & Wesson Model 629 Stealth Hunter Revolver in .44 Magnum
- Smith and Wesson Begins Shipping the New Night Guard Revolvers Designed for Concealed Carry and Self Defense
- Smith & Wesson Rebates on M&P Pistols, Sigma Pistols, M&P15 Rifles, i-Bolt Rifles, 1000 Series Shotguns, and SW1911 Pistols
- Smith and Wesson Night Guard Revolvers in .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .44 Special, .44 Magnum, and .45 ACP: New Revolvers with XS Sights and Pachmayr Grips
- Smith and Wesson M&P Pistols Adopted by 276 Police Departments: Thousands of M&P9, M&P357, M&P40, and M&P45 Ordered by Atlanta Police, Colorado State Police, and Other Departments
Just bought one… love it… especially the cost of the ammo.